different between balm vs liniment

English

Etymology

From Middle English bawme, from Anglo-Norman and Middle French baume, from Old French basme, from Latin balsamum, itself from Ancient Greek ???????? (bálsamon). Spelling modified 16th c. to conform to Latin etymology. Doublet of balsam.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /b??m/
• (US) IPA^(key): /b?m/, /b?lm/
• Rhymes: -??m
• Homophone: bomb (for speakers with the father-bother merger)

Noun

balm (countable and uncountable, plural balms)

1. Any of various aromatic resins exuded from certain plants, especially trees of the genus Commiphora of Africa, Arabia and India and Myroxylon of South America.
2. A plant or tree yielding such substance.
3. Any soothing oil or lotion, especially an aromatic one.

   There is a balm in Gilead... (Spiritual)

4. (figuratively) Something soothing.

   Classical music is a sweet balm for our sorrows.
5. The lemon balm, Melissa officinalis
6. Any of a number of other aromatic herbs with a similar citrus-like scent, such as bee balm and horse balm.

Synonyms

• (aromatic resin): balsam
• (plant or tree): balsam
• (soothing oil or lotion): balsam
• (something soothing): balsam

Related terms

• balmy
• balsam
• embalming

Translations

Verb

balm (third-person singular simple present balms, present participle balming, simple past and past participle balmed)

1. (transitive, archaic) To anoint with balm, or with anything medicinal.
2. (transitive, figuratively) To soothe; to mitigate.

See also

• lotion
• ointment
• unguent

Anagrams

• ALBM, BAML, LBMA, Lamb, blam, lamb

English

Etymology

From Late Latin linimentum.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?l?n?m?nt/

Noun

liniment (countable and uncountable, plural liniments)

1. A topical medical preparation intended to be rubbed into the skin with friction, as for example to relieve symptoms of arthritis.

Usage notes

• Not to be confused with linament.

Translations

Verb

liniment (third-person singular simple present liniments, present participle linimenting, simple past and past participle linimented)

1. (transitive) To apply liniment to.